The Samoan government is negotiating with Japan-based Akabira Orchids to form a partnership to develop Samoa’s vanilla and orchid industries.
The initial proposal to this effect was presented by company officials to the Samoa Trust Estates Corporation’s (STEC) Minister, Sala Fata Pinati last week.
And Sala is welcoming the proposal with open arms saying it’s the answer to the Government’s prayers.
“Government especially the Prime Minister has been longing to develop vanilla and orchid to become two of our biggest export commodities,” said Sala.
“With the proposal from Akabira, the possibilities are more than good but achievable.”
Through the locally based JICA, Akabira will provide technical experts to train STEC and Samoa Research Organisation of Samoa staff.
A laboratory will be established with multiple objectives including a focus on verifying the quality of vanilla beans and orchids propagation
Other objectives are to assist STEC with orchid and vanilla cultivation and to improve STEC product development such as virus free vanilla, taro and cocoa with the assistance from Japanese experts.
A marketing component is also included in the proposal for vanilla and orchid exports from Samoa.
In return, STEC has offered 500 acres in front of the Faleolo International Airport for a vanilla and orchid plantation.
Once formalised by Cabinet, initial consultations with vanilla and orchid growers along with local stakeholders is expected to start before the end of the year.
Photo supplied Caption: Samoa Trust Estates Corporation’s (STEC) Minister, Sala Fata Pinati (seated) meets with Akabira Orchid representatives